| Since the 1990's interest in Tibetan culture has grown | | | | It has been used and revered for hundreds of years |
| as this once inaccessible part of the world has hit the | | | | with turquoise necklaces and pendants finding their |
| headlines again and again. This article considers the | | | | way into many cultures and traditions, but none more |
| importance of jewelry pendants to this magical | | | | so than in Tibetan culture. Turquoise is traditionally |
| Chinese province steeped in history and tradition. | | | | regarded as a protecting stone as well as providing |
| Jewelry pendants -- prayer boxes | | | | wealth in many ancient civilizations. |
| Tibetans wear jewelry as a symbol of their Buddhist | | | | The turquoise gemstone symbolizes friendship and |
| beliefs. Their jewelry often takes the form of important | | | | peace. In Tibetan culture the stone is said to protect |
| deities or symbolizes important Tibetan rituals like | | | | the carrier from the negative forces of the universe if |
| mantras or dorjes. Pendant necklaces are an | | | | received from a true friend. |
| important part of Tibetans' daily lives. | | | | Tibetans believe that turquoise has the following |
| The most important and symbolic type of jewelry | | | | healing powers as part of its powers of protection: |
| pendants found in Tibet and Buddhism are prayer | | | | 1. It plays a role in preventing acid in the stomach |
| boxes. A prayer box or Ghau (also spelled Gau or | | | | 2. It helps to soothe stomach problems, rheumatism, |
| Gao), is a Tibetan Buddhist amulet usually made of | | | | viral infections and gout |
| sterling silver and encrusted with turquoise gemstones. | | | | 3. It increases muscle strength and endurance and |
| There is usually a written prayer or a sacred mantra | | | | helps muscles to grow |
| such as the kalachakra kept within the prayer box. | | | | 4. It prevents cramps and helps soothe pain |
| These are usually transcribed by a Buddhist priest or | | | | 5. It is anti-inflammatory |
| Lama. Tibetans will ask a Lama to bless and fill their | | | | 6. It has detoxifying properties |
| prayer box with sacred items to protect the wearer. | | | | Tibetans believe that when turquoise is combined with |
| Jewelry pendants often include turquoise in intricate | | | | copper or silver its power is increased. |
| inlay designs. | | | | Tibetan Jewelry pendants create a sense of mystical |
| Turquoise gemstones | | | | power which sits alongside their obvious natural |
| Throughout history gemstones have been used in | | | | beauty. The designs can range from simple, plain |
| necklace jewelry as a sign of prosperity being | | | | symbols to incredibly complex and intricate patterns |
| delivered by the gods themselves. Tibetan silver | | | | filled with color. These pendant necklaces are often |
| necklaces are no different with the turquoise | | | | handcrafted by Tibetan craftsman for their people and |
| gemstone being the prominent gemstone favored by | | | | they are a representation of the intense religious |
| Tibetan craftsman. Tibetan people use the turquoise to | | | | beliefs held by their wearers. |
| make turquoise jewelry with copper and silver, in the | | | | It is likely that the growing interest in Tibet and |
| belief that this will bring them power, fortune and good | | | | Buddhism and the natural beauty of the stones and |
| health. | | | | their design will ensure the popularity of Tibetan |
| Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in the world. | | | | jewelry will continue to rise in the Western world. |